Last week's 21-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals came with young Ponder's greatest struggle of the 2012 season. He was 8-of-17 passing for 58 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. The Vikings overcame that because Adrian Peterson had 153 yards rushing and their defense provided the difference — rookie safety Harrison Smith's interception return TD.

The Vikings can't expect to have the same success running the ball this week. The Buccaneers come onto Mall of America Field with the NFL's third-best run defense. They allowed 76.0 yards per game less than a full season removed from giving up a league-worst average of more than twice that number — 156.1.

This season, the Buccaneers' big defensive problem is pass defense, in which they are 31st. The Vikings, however, weren't able to take advantage of playing the No. 32 pass defense in a Week 6 loss to the Washington Redskins.

So the formula is there to beat the Buccaneers — spread the ball around and throw deep.

Ponder has one big playmaking receiver in Percy Harvin, but the Vikings also must be aggressive in using deep routes for fellow speedster Jerome Simpson. That will help open favorable underneath routes for talented tight end Kyle Rudolph, who didn't have a catch against the Cardinals.

The Bucs' secondary became more vulnerable with top cover cornerback Aqib Talib serving a four-game suspension. His replacement, E.J. Biggers, and Eric Wright struggle to avoid giving up big plays. The Bucs have good safeties, but ageless Ronde Barber and rookie Mark Barron are stronger upfield players.

Ponder will have opportunities, and time. Because of defensive end injuries, the Bucs struggle to create a consistent pass rush. Ponder's athleticism will help him extend plays to take better deep shots.

Ponder must be most wary of the wily Barber, who has three of the Bucs' nine interceptions. Barber also remains dangerous as a blitzer. He will be Ponder's most important pre-snap read on every down.

The Vikings must move the ball effectively and score points, because the Buccaneers' rebuilt offense can do both.

Minnesota must slow Martin on early downs so defensive ends Jared Allen and Brian Robison can get after Freeman. The Vikings have 22 sacks — tied for third in the league — and can clean up by getting to Freeman, if they are playing with a lead in the second half.

This is Ponder's chance to show that he has grown and can lead the Vikings to the playoffs. Minnesota will use home field to eke out another win and Ponder will emerge more confident as his team improves to 6-2.

Prediction: Vikings 24, Buccaneers 23.

Picks for Sunday and Monday games in NFL Week 8 will be published Thursday. Key among them is the NFC East game between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.